NEMA VE 1-2017 NEMA Standards Publication VE 1-2017 CSA Group Publication CSA C22.2 No. 126.1-17

Scope This standard specifies the requirements for metal cable trays and associated fittings designed for use in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code), Part I, and the National Electrical Code®

NEMA VE 1-2017

Metal Cable Tray Systems

NEMA Standards Publication VE 1-2017 CSA Group Publication CSA C22.2 No 126.1-17

Metal Cable Tray Systems

Published by:

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

1300 North 17th Street, Suite 900

© 2017 National Electrical Manufacturers Association All rights, including translation into other

languages, reserved under the Universal Copyright Convention, the Berne Convention for the Protection

of Literary and Artistic Works, and the International and Pan American copyright conventions

Commitment for Amendments

This standard is issued jointly by Canadian Standards Association (operating as “CSA Group”) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Comments or proposals for revisions on any part

of the standard may be submitted to CSA Group or NEMA at any time Revisions to this standard will be made only after processing according to the standards development procedures of CSA Group and NEMA CSA Group and NEMA will issue revisions to this standard by means of a new edition or revised

or additional pages bearing their date of issue

engaged in its development at the time it was approved Consensus does not necessarily mean there was unanimous agreement among every person participating in the development process

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards and guideline publications, of which the document herein is one, are developed through a voluntary standards development process This process brings together volunteers and/or seeks out the views of persons who have an interest in the topic covered by this publication Although NEMA administers the process and establishes rules to promote fairness in the development of consensus, it does not write the documents, nor does it independently test, evaluate, or verify the accuracy or completeness of any information or the soundness

of any judgments contained in its standards and guideline publications

NEMA disclaims liability for any personal injury, property, or other damages of any nature, whether special, indirect, consequential, or compensatory, directly or indirectly resulting from the publication, use

of, application, or reliance on this document NEMA disclaims and makes no guaranty or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein, and disclaims and makes no warranty that the information in this document will fulfill any particular purpose(s)

or need(s) NEMA does not undertake to guarantee the performance of any individual manufacturer’s or seller’s products or services by virtue of this standard or guide

In publishing and making this document available, NEMA is not undertaking to render professional or other services for or on behalf of any person or entity, nor is NEMA undertaking to perform any duty owed

by any person or entity to someone else Anyone using this document should rely on his or her own independent judgment or, as appropriate, seek the advice of a competent professional in determining the exercise of reasonable care in any given circumstance Information and other standards on the topic covered by this publication may be available from other sources, which the user may wish to consult for additional views or information not covered by this publication

NEMA has no power, nor does it undertake to police or enforce compliance with the contents of this document NEMA does not certify, test, or inspect products, designs, or installations for safety or health purposes Any certification or other statement of compliance with any health- or safety-related information

in this document shall not be attributable to NEMA and is solely the responsibility of the certifier or maker

of the statement

CONTENTS

Preface iii

Foreword (NEMA) iv

Section 1 Scope 1

Section 2 Definitions, Abbreviations, and Acronyms 2

Section 3 General 4

3.1 Reference Publications 4

3.2 Units of Measurement 4

Section 4 Construction 5

4.1 Materials 5

4.2 Finishes 5

4.2.1 Carbon Steel Corrosion Protection 5

4.2.2 Highly Corrosive Environments 5

4.2.3 Carbon Steel Nut and Bolt Corrosion Protection 6

4.3 Typical Dimensions 6

4.3.1 General 6

4.3.2 Lengths of Straight Sections 6

4.3.3 Widths 6

4.3.4 Fill Depths 7

4.3.5 Nominal Rung Spacings on Straight Sections 7

4.3.6 Inside Radii 8

4.3.7 Degrees of Arc for Elbows 8

4.4 Quality of Work 8

4.5 Fittings 8

4.6 Fasteners 8

4.7 Bonding 8

4.7.1 Connection Means 8

4.7.2 Measured Resistance 8

4.8 Load Capacity 8

4.8.1 Straight Section Requirements 8

4.8.2 Concentrated Static Load 9

4.8.3 Channel Cable Tray Straight Sections Load-Testing (Optional) 9

Section 5 Tests 10

5.1 Electrical Continuity of Connections 10

5.2 Load Testing 10

5.2.1 General 10

5.2.2 Test Specimen 10

5.2.3 Type and Length of Span 10

5.2.4 Orientation Of Specimen 10

5.2.5 Supports 10

5.2.6 Loading Material 11

5.2.7 Load Application 11

5.2.8 Loading to Destruction 12

5.3 Interpolation Of Test Data 12

5.4 Rung Load Capacity (Optional) 12

5.4.1 General 12

5.4.2 Test Equipment 12

5.4.3 Test Specimen 12

5.4.4 Span Length and Supports 12

5.4.5 Orientation of Specimens 12

5.4.7 Load Capacity 13

5.4.8 Interpolation of Rung Load Test Data 13

Section 6 Product Marking, Information, And Installation 14

6.1 Marking on Product 14

6.1.1 Dimensions and Measurements 14

6.1.2 Straight Section and Fitting Marking 14

6.2 Product Information 14

6.3 Cable Tray Installation 14

Annex A Markings—French Translations (Informative) 17

Annex B Span/Load Class Designation—USA (Informative) 18

Annex C Span/Load Class Designation—Canada (Informative) 19

Annex D Loading to Residual Deflection (Method B) 20

TABLES Table 1 Acceptable French Translations—Required Markings 17

Table 2 Span/Load Class Designation—USA (See Clauses 4.8.1, 4.8.2, and 6.1.2 (c)) 18

Table 3 Span/Load Class Designation—Canada (See Clauses 4.8.1, 4.8.2 and 6.1.2(c)) 19

FIGURES Figure 1 Illustration of Selected Definitions (See Clause 2.1) 15

Figure 2 Application of Load—Rung Load Capacity (See Clause 5.4.2) 16

Preface

This is the harmonized CSA Group and NEMA standard for Metal Cable Tray Systems It is the fourth edition of CSA C22.2 No 126.1, superseding the previous editions published in 2009, 2002, and 1998, and the sixth edition of NEMA VE 1, superseding the previous edition published in 2009

This harmonized standard was prepared by the CANENA Technical Harmonization Committee for Metal Cable Tray Systems, comprising members from CSA Group, the National Electrical Manufacturers

Association, and the cable tray manufacturing industry The efforts and support of the CANENA Technical Harmonization Committee are gratefully acknowledged

This standard is considered suitable for use for conformity assessment within the stated scope of the standard

This standard was reviewed by the CSA Integrated Committee on Cable Tray Systems, under the

jurisdiction of the CSA Technical Committee on Wiring Products and the CSA Strategic Steering

Committee on Requirements for Electrical Safety, and has been formally approved by the CSA Technical Committee

This standard was also approved at NEMA by the Codes and Standards Committee

Where reference is made to a specific number of samples to be tested, the specified number is

considered to be a minimum quantity

Note: Although the intended primary application of this standard is stated in its scope, it is

important to note that it remains the responsibility of the users of the standard to judge its

suitability for their particular purpose

Level of Harmonization

This standard uses an IEC format, but is not based on, nor is it to be considered equivalent to, an IEC

standard This standard is published as an identical standard for NEMA and CSA Group

An identical standard is a standard that is exactly the same in technical content except for national

differences resulting from conflicts in codes and governmental regulations Presentation is word for word except for editorial changes

Reasons for Differences from IEC

The Technical Harmonization Committee (THC) identified one IEC standard that addresses electrical cable tray systems included in the scope of this standard The THC determined the safe use of electrical cable tray is dependent on the design, performance, and installation of the cable tray system The IEC standard does not mention the bonding/equipment grounding function of cable tray, and there are no requirements for corrosion protection at this time Significant investigation is required to assess safety and system issues that may lead to harmonization of traditional North American electrical cable tray standards with those presently addressed in the known IEC standard The THC agreed such future investigation might be facilitated by completion of harmonization of the North American standards for electrical cable tray

Interpretations

The interpretation by the Standards Development Organization (SDO) of an identical or equivalent

standard is to be based on the literal text to determine compliance with the standard in accordance with the procedural rules of the SDO If more than one interpretation of the literal text has been identified, a revision is to be proposed as soon as possible to each of the SDOs to reflect more accurately the intent

Foreword (NEMA)

This standards publication provides technical requirements concerning the construction, testing, and performance of metal cable tray systems The development of this publication is the result of many years

of research, investigation, and experience by the members of the Cable Tray Section of NEMA

Throughout the development of this publication, test methods and performance values have been related

as closely as possible to end-use applications It has been developed through consultation among manufacturers, with users and engineering societies, to result in improved serviceability and safety of metal cable tray systems

This publication reflects the study of applicable building codes and the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I

manufacturing standards, such as those of the American Society for Testing and Materials, the American Iron and Steel Institute, the Aluminum Association, and Underwriters Laboratories, Inc The NEMA Cable Tray Section periodically reviews this publication for any revisions necessary, to keep it up to date with advancing technology

Comments and suggestions for the improvement of this document are encouraged

They should be sent to:

Senior Technical Director, Operations

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

1300 North 17th Street, Suite 900

Rosslyn, Virginia 22209

The primary purpose of this standards publication is to encourage the manufacture and utilization of standardized metal cable tray systems and to eliminate misunderstandings between manufacturers and users It has been promulgated with a view toward promoting safety of persons and property by the proper selection and use of metal cable tray systems

The cable tray system manufacturer has limited or no control over the following factors, which are vital to

a safe installation:

a environmental conditions;

b system design;

c product selection and application;

d installation practices; and

e system maintenance

NEMA VE 1 was developed by the NEMA Cable Tray Section Section approval does not necessarily imply that all section members voted for approval or participated in development At the time NEMA VE 1-

2017 was approved, the NEMA Cable Tray Section consisted of the following members:

Cope, A part of Atkore International www.copecabletray.com/

Chalfant Manufacturing Co www.chalfantcabletray.com/

Eaton’s B-Line Business www.cooperindustries.com/content/public/en/b-line.html

Legrand/Cablofil, Inc www.legrand.us/cablofil

MP Husky Corp www.mphusky.com/

Oglaend System US LLC www.oglaend-system.com/newsread/index.aspx

Snake Tray, Inc www.snaketray.com/

TechLine Manufacturing www.techlinemfg.com/

Thomas & Betts, A Member of the ABB Group www.tnb.com/pub/index.php

Section 1 Scope

This standard specifies the requirements for metal cable trays and associated fittings designed for use in

accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code), Part I, and the National Electrical Code®

(NEC)

Section 2 Definitions

The following definitions apply in this standard:

bonding/equipment-grounding conductor: A conductor that is defined in the National Electrical Code

and the Standard for Electrical Installations as "Grounding Conductor, Equipment," and defined in the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, as "Bonding conductor."

cable tray system: A section or assembly of sections, and associated fittings, forming a mechanical

system used to support cables and raceways

channel cable tray: A fabricated structure consisting of a one-piece ventilated- or solid-bottom channel

section

connector: A component that joins any combination of cable tray straight sections and fittings

Note: The basic types of connectors include rigid, expansion, adjustable, and reducer The term

“splice” is also used in the industry to describe a connector

fasteners: Screws, nuts, bolts, washers, rivets, spacers, pins, and other items used to connect and

assemble cable tray systems

fill depth: The vertical interior dimension of a cable tray that is used to calculate the allowable interior

cross-sectional area

fitting: A component that is used to change the size or direction of a cable tray system

horizontal cross: A fitting that joins cable trays in four directions at 90° intervals in the same plane horizontal elbow: A fitting that changes the direction of cable tray in the same plane

horizontal tee: A fitting that joins cable trays in three directions at 90° intervals in the same plane ladder cable tray: A fabricated structure consisting of two longitudinal side rails connected by individual

transverse members (rungs)

reducer: A fitting that joins cable trays of different widths in the same plane

single-rail cable tray: A fabricated structure consisting of a longitudinal rail with transversely connected

members (rungs) that project from one side (side-supported) or both sides (center-supported), which can

be single- or multi-tier

solid-bottom or non-ventilated cable tray: A fabricated structure consisting of a bottom without

ventilation openings within integral or separate longitudinal side rails

straight section: A length of cable tray that has no change in direction or size

trough or ventilated cable tray: A fabricated structure consisting of integral or separate longitudinal rails

and a bottom having openings sufficient for the passage of air, fumes, and vapors, and heat dissipation, utilizing 75% or less of the plan area of the surface to support cables where the maximum open spacings

between cable support surfaces of transverse elements do not exceed 100 millimeters (mm) (4 inch (in.))

in the direction parallel to the tray side rails

Notes:

a On horizontal bends only, the maximum distance between transverse elements is measured

at the centerline of the bend

b A ladder cable tray having rung spacing such that the cable tray meets the definition

described above is considered to be a ventilated cable tray

vertical elbow: A fitting that changes the direction of cable tray to a different plane

vertical tee: A fitting that joins cable trays in three directions at 90° intervals in different planes

wire mesh cable tray: A fabricated structure consisting of steel wires welded at all intersections

wire mesh cable tray fitting: A fitting for wire mesh cable tray systems, fabricated from wire mesh cable

tray straight sections

Note: Most fittings are field-constructed, and are attached to the adjacent sections using splice connectors in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions

Section 3 General

CAN/CSA-C22.2 No 0 General Requirements - Canadian Electrical Code, Part II

National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)

1300 North 17th Street, Suite 900 Rosslyn, Virginia 22209 NEMA VE 2 Cable Tray Installation Guidelines [with errata]

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

1 Batterymarch Park Quincy MA 02169 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code

ASTM International

1916 Race Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 ASTM A123/A123M Standard Specification for Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coatings on Iron and

Steel Products

ASTM A653/A653M Standard Specification for Steel Sheet, Coated (Galvanized) or

Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by the Hot-Dip Process

ASTM B633 Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Zinc on Iron and

Steel

3.2 Units of Measurement

The values given in SI (metric) units are mandatory Any other values given are for information only

Note: Lengths are shown in millimeters or meters (inches or feet) Widths, deflections, and similar measurements are generally defined in millimeters (fractions of inches), and load-bearing

capacity in kilograms/meter (pounds/foot)

3.2.1 General Requirements

In Canada, general requirements applicable to this standard are given in CAN/CSA-C22.2 No.0

Section 4 Construction

4.1 Materials

Cable tray systems shall be made of either corrosion-resistant metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel,

or metal with a corrosion-resistant finish

4.2 Finishes

4.2.1.1 Carbon Steel Corrosion Protection

Carbon steel used for cable trays shall be protected against corrosion by one of the following processes:

a Type 1—Hot-dip galvanizing after fabrication in accordance with ASTM 123/A123M;

Note: Fabricated products that are hot-dip galvanized are thoroughly cleaned, fluxed, and

immersed in a bath of molten zinc, where they react to form a metallurgically bonded zinc coating Normal oxidation of the galvanized surfaces will, in a short period of time, appear as a dull gray or white coating Some degree of roughness and variations of thicknesses can be expected as a result of the hot-dipping process Because the galvanizing process takes place at the low end of the stress-relieving temperature range, some stress relief occurs, and some distortion or warping can result

b Type 2—Hot-dip mill galvanizing in accordance with ASTM A653/A653M, coating designation G90;

Note: Hot-dip mill galvanized coatings are produced by continuously rolling steel sheets or strips

in coils through a bath of molten zinc The process involves pretreating the steel to make the surface react readily with molten zinc as the strip moves through the bath at high speeds During fabrication, where slitting, forming, cutting, or welding is performed, the cut edges and heat-affected zone of welding are subject to superficial oxidation These areas are then protected through electrolytic action of the adjacent zinc surfaces The coating is smooth, ductile, and adherent

Note: For corrosive or wet locations, other coatings could be more suitable

c Type 3—Electrodeposited zinc in accordance with ASTM B633 (SC 2 minimum); or

Note: Fabricated products that are to receive electrodeposited zinc (zinc plated) coatings are thoroughly cleaned and then a thin layer of zinc is deposited by electrolysis A conversion coating can then be applied to the zinc surface, resulting in a colored (typically yellow) or colorless (clear-blue) appearance Electrodeposited zinc is a common indoor finish for wire mesh cable trays For corrosive or wet locations, other coatings or materials could be more suitable

d Zinc coatings other than those listed above, and coatings other than zinc, are appropriate for the application Where a nationally recognized standard exists, the coating shall be applied in accordance with that standard

4.2.1.2 Highly Corrosive Environments

For installations in highly corrosive environments, such as alkaline or acidic conditions, different or

additional protective coatings may be provided, as agreed to between the end user and the manufacturer

Carbon steel nuts and bolts shall be protected against corrosion by one of the following processes:

a zinc electroplating in accordance with ASTM B633; or

b other coatings as appropriate for the application Where a nationally recognized standard exists, the coating shall be applied in accordance with that standard

4.3 Typical Dimensions

4.3.1 General

Clauses 4.3.2 to 4.3.7 provide the typical dimensions used in the industry Other dimensions shall also be acceptable Dimensions are based on rationalized conversions

4.3.2 Lengths of Straight Sections

Typical lengths, not including connectors, are:

4.3.3.1 Ladder, Solid Bottom/Nonventilated, or Trough/Ventilated Cable Tray

For sections other than channel cable trays or wire mesh cable trays, typical widths are:

Note: The tolerance of the widths is within ±6 mm (1/4 in.) for inside dimensions

Overall width shall not exceed the inside width by more than 100 mm (4 in.)

4.3.3.2 Channel Cable Tray

For channel cable trays, typical widths are:

a 50 mm (2 in.);

b 75 mm (3 in.);

c 100 mm (4 in.); and

d 150 mm (6 in.)

Note: The tolerance of the widths is within ±6 mm (1/4 in.) for inside dimensions

4.3.3.3 Wire Mesh Cable Tray

For wire mesh cable trays, typical widths are:

a 50 mm (2 in.);

b 100 mm (4 in.);

c 150 mm (6 in.);

4.3.4.1 Ladder, Solid Bottom/Nonventilated, or Trough/Ventilated Cable Tray

For other than channel cable trays or wire mesh cable trays, typical depths for sections are:

a 75 mm (3 in.);

b 100 mm (4 in.);

c 125 mm (5 in.); and

d 150 mm (6 in.)

Note: The tolerance of the depths is within ±10 mm (3/8 in.)

Outside depths shall not exceed inside depths by more than 30 mm (1-1/4 in.)

4.3.4.2 Channel Cable Tray

For channel cable trays, typical depths are 18–50 mm (3/4–2 in.) for outside dimensions

4.3.4.3 Wire Mesh Cable Tray

For wire mesh cable trays, typical depths are:

a 25 mm (1 in.);

b 50 mm (2 in.);

c 100 mm (4 in.); and

d 150 mm (6 in.)

Note: The tolerance of the depths is within ±10 mm (3/8 in.)

Outside depths shall not exceed inside depths by more than 30 mm (1-1/4 in.)

4.3.4.4 Single Rail Cable Tray

For single-rail cable trays, typical depths are:

a 75 mm (3 in.);

b 100 mm (4 in.);

c 125 mm (5 in.); and

d 150 mm (6 in.)

Note: The tolerance of the depths is within ±10 mm (3/8 in.)

4.3.5 Nominal Rung Spacings on Straight Sections

Typical rung spacings are:

a 150 mm (6 in.);

b 225 mm (9 in.); and